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Home Insurance: Should You File a Claim?

Posted on by cvargas

Imagine this: your home is affected by a fire or a flood. No one wants this to happen, but there is always the chance that it will, and you need to be ready just in case that it happens to you. Chances are you would be in financial trouble if your home were destroyed if it wasn’t for your home insurance policy.

Thankfully, massive claims due to fires, floods, and other major disasters are few and far between. Smaller claims are much more common for Boston home insurance policies. But how do you know when it’s worth filing an insurance claim, and when to cover the damage yourself?

There are two major factors that affect whether you should file an insurance claim: your deductible and the number of previous claims on your policy. Deductibles are different for every policy, and can vary quite a bit. If the cost to fix your damage is less than your deductible amount, there is no reason to file a claim. If your deductible is less than the damages, you need to weigh the amount of money you would receive vs. the cost of filing the claim. After all, having a claim on your policy may raise your premium in the future.

Your home is a very valuable asset. Here at Vargas and Vargas Insurance, we would hate to see something happen to it without the right protection. That’s why we offer top of the line Massachusetts home insurance policies for all of our clients. For a free quote, just call 617-298-0655 and speak with one of our agents.

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The one skill more important to business pros than sales.

Posted on by cvargas

I hope that you had a fantastic weekend! As you know, I like to start every week with some words of wisdom:

“The thing that people don’t realize is you want to teach people how to fix things without paying you for it because that builds up leverage, you give up a sale in the beginning, but you get all the sales in the end.”

–Gary Vaynerchuk

Over the next five years, there is one skill undeniably more important to the success of all business professionals than sales. Unfortunately, most are not putting in the hard work to improve this skill. That’s where the opportunity lies for us!

What is this important skill, you ask? It’s building relationships. You need to build relationships today to stand out 5, 10, and 20 years from now. Most businesspeople aren’t doing this today, and the writing’s on the wall for them.

We operate in a marketplace where attention rules all, and those who can attract (and keep) the attention win the game. If you are not doing the work today that sets you up to succeed, you will not be able to compete. There will come a day when what you do and offer in the marketplace may be better and cheaper, but it will be as if you don’t exist because you have not built the relationships to get and keep their attention.

If you look at the money being poured into ads everywhere by the big boys – Trulia, Zillow, Rocket Mortgage, and Morgan & Morgan, for example – the money they are spending doesn’t pan out.  They can’t be local like you and me.  It’s not the consumer’s fault that they think that they believe the ‘big boys’ – instead, it’s an opportunity for us to educate them.

I am a believer in content marketing, telling your story, being the local and value provider, and giving without expectation of a return. I truly believe that the organizations that will be in business in the next 5, 10, and 20 years are the ones who are laying the groundwork today.

What does that look like? It means getting your customers’ emails and cell phone numbers. I work with some business people who still do not have their customers’ information! There is no way to compete in a world where your competitors have your customers’ email addresses and cell phone numbers and you don’t.

If you want to stay relevant for the next several years, you had better change your way of doing business. You need to put the content out there in all the ways that your customers are consuming it – video, blogs, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.

If you don’t like to be in front of the camera, find someone who does. If you don’t like to write, find someone who does (hit reply now and I can connect you with my copy editor, she is amazing and an asset to my business).

“There has never been a time in history to attract attention was so valuable.” –Ryan Hanley

Your story needs to be told whether you are a big huge brand or a mom and pop shop, and no one can tell your story like you can. Your ability to tell your story is as important as your ability to sell your products and service. It’s the only way that you will attract the attention to do business in the new digital marketplace.

In today’s world, ‘losing’ means taking the time to perfect the customer experience. It means thinking about the way people answer your phone. It means making less cold calls and writing blog posts or creating bitesize videos about the questions you hear every day.

The truth is that I don’t know where this is all headed, what I do know is this:

“There is a connected generation and an unconnected generation, every day that goes by the connected generation expands and the unconnected generation shrinks, who are you going to bet your future on?”

Make the conscious decision to tell your story and connect with the expanding consumer group. How will you connect? Podcasts, blogs, video? I don’t know, but taking the time today to start building your brand now is what will help you succeed in the upcoming years and even decades. Attention wins the game, and I want you to come along for this ride. Lose today so we can all win tomorrow.

I will leave you with this final quote:

“If you’re not putting relevant content in relevant places, you don’t exist.” –Gary Vaynerchuk
I implore you to heed this advice. You can thank me five years from now.

Have a question? Need help? Leave a message below and I will work your question into a future message.

Know that you are loved!

C

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How to Be a Great Wedding Guest

Posted on by cvargas

When was the last time you attended a wedding? There have been a lot in the Vargas and Vargas family recently! It got us thinking – we should write a guide for how to be the perfect wedding guest! Here are just a few of the tips and tricks that we’ve learned:

  • When you receive an invitation, make sure that you respond by the RSVP date. If you accept the invitation and then need to back out, let the couple know as soon as possible.
  • If you get the newlyweds a gift from their registry, consider just letting the store ship it directly to the provided address. That will save the stress of needing to bring it to the occasion, and it will save the couple from having to transport it home themselves.
  • Abide by the dress code stated in the invitation. If no instructions are given, use your best judgement, and remember to consider the location and time of day of the event.
  • Be present. Don’t spend the whole event behind your phone camera. After all, the bride and groom probably hired a professional photographer – so you should have a good time and trust the professional to capture the memories.
  • Don’t be afraid to mingle! It’s your chance to see old friends, but don’t forget to also make some new ones! Talk to someone you’ve never met about how lovely the ceremony was, or ask how they know the newlyweds.

Do you know someone who is counting the days until their wedding? Do them a favor and give them the phone number of Vargas and Vargas Insurance – 617-298-0655. Make sure they know just how important it is to insure big events like weddings, and tell them that a free quote for wedding insurance is just a phone call away! While they’re at it, suggest that the beginning of a marriage is a great time to start looking into a life insurance policy.

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Be with the ones you love

Posted on by cvargas

I’m back in “work mode” after much-needed downtime to recharge my batteries. I enjoyed my time with my family and friends and I am ready to finish out 2017.

I spent Saturday a few weeks ago playing golf with my sons, Jonathan and Matthew. There was a rainy start to the day. We arrived at the clubhouse at 10:30, and about then the skies opened up, so we hung around the Cedar Hill Golf Course for maybe an hour and a half.  It just happened that there was a golf tournament going on and many of the participants were old ‘townie’ friends of mine.  I proudly introduced my buddies to Jon and Matt and we enjoyed Chef Marty Malone’s freshly made chocolate chip cookies (on the house <3) as we waited for a lull in the rain.

Our birthday family tradition has always been that the birthday person got to choose where we went for dinner as a family on their special day. But Jon and Matt are married now, and in their own homes, with busy lives. On normal days, I try to watch what I eat and cook healthy meals at home. Kathy and I don’t spend nearly as much time as we used to with the guys and their wives… so this year when I was asked where I wanted to go for dinner on my birthday I threw everyone a curveball. I said, “I would LOVE to play a round of golf with my family!” (While Kathy and my sons’ spouses were welcome to come and see what golfing is all about, they decided not to).

I started golfing last year, and have come to love everything about the game – the outdoors, a great walk (I always walk the course) with family, friends, and/or business partners, the conversation, and most times we finish our golf game with a cold draft at the clubhouse and discuss how we played, which holes we played well at, and sometimes even the score. So this year I asked Jon and Matt to spend the morning with me on the golf course and to have a simple dinner.  We ended our day at Matthew and Cristiana’s home, they fired up their Uuni pizza oven (what an amazing invention) and we enjoyed being together.  I was in heaven… family, laughs, conversation, and the great outdoors, freshly made pizza and some cold brews (kind of like golf).

As you know, I try to start every week with some words of wisdom:

“Be with the ones you love, and love the ones that love you, ignore everyone else.” -Seth Godin

Although I was away, it was nice to see our businesses continue to run as if I had not left. Jeff Camara (my business partner, operations manager at our company, and rock star insurance professional) kept the momentum going (we are having one of our best years ever). My flexible schedule is the result of my decision that there are much better people who can do what I use to do a lot better. Do what I did – look for great people, build an amazing team around you, and get out of the way and let them take your business to new heights.

There are a few kinks to work out, the MMM stopped (so the telephones got quieter), the face to face meetings stopped, but soon, I will get start them up again, and my Monday morning FROG calls have not been done, but will resume soon (send me a message and I will let you know what FROG stands for and how they can help your business out).

And know that you are loved! As Seth Godin says, It’s your turn (it’s ALWAYS YOUR turn!)

A great big thank you to everyone who sent me the vacation and birthday well wishes! Now go out and have an amazing and awesome week! I hope to see you soon!

Carlos

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Is It Time to Redecorate Your Home?

Posted on by cvargas

Your home should be a place you look forward to being – somewhere that makes you happy and at peace. Unfortunately, it is a part of human nature to need change, so there’s a good chance that your home will start to feel a little stale after a while. That’s a clear-cut sign that you need to do something to update your décor.

Here is a simple trick that you can use – take a good look at each piece of decoration in your home, and ask yourself, “Does this give me joy?” If the item no longer brings you happiness, it may be time to get something new. Take a look at Pinterest (while you’re there, follow me!) and find an idea that you can use to redecorate your home that will bring joy to you and your loved ones.

If you want to bring a new energy into your home without breaking the bank, there are some easy things that you can do to redecorate on a budget. Instead of splurging on wallpaper, make your own stencil and use paint. Thrift stores and estate sales can be a bargain-hunter’s best friend, and are especially great for finding shabby-chic décor. Bathrooms in need of a spruce will be brand new with a new shower curtain, and DIY artwork is always an affordable and effective project.

And remember – if you do any major redecoration (or especially if you go one step further and remodel) call your insurance agent at Vargas and Vargas Insurance to update your Massachusetts homeowner’s insurance. Doing so will ensure that your new decorations are all protected in case you need to make a claim in the future.

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The Truth About Seat Belts

Posted on by cvargas

For most of us, there is a routine when getting in the car to go somewhere. Typically, it involves arranging your stuff, possibly getting kids settled in, putting on a seat belt, and then hitting the road. You might be surprised to find out, however, how many people skip the crucial step of putting on a seat belt. Check out these seat belt statistics:

  • According to a study from 2012, only 73% of drivers and front seat passengers wear a seat belt in Massachusetts. The reported national average is 86%.
  • Car accidents are a leading cause of death of people aged 1-54 in the US.
  • Over 21,000 people died in crashes in 2014 – over half of those aged 13-44 in those accidents were unrestrained at the time of the crash.
  • The use of seat belts reduces serious injuries and deaths by about half.

In the state of Massachusetts, drivers and all passengers aged 13 and over must be wearing a seat belt when a vehicle is in operation. There are also additional child restraint laws for children 12 and under.

If you want to prevent serious injury to yourself and your passengers when you are driving, make sure that every person is properly restrained before the vehicle begins to move. This should be done for all car trips, no matter how short. While it is unrelated to seat belt laws, it is also important to remember that texting while driving is illegal in Massachusetts.

Having a top-notch auto insurance policy is another important part of owning a car. If you want a free car insurance quote or review, just call Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency at 617-298-0655.

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Were You Affected by the Equifax Breach?

Posted on by cvargas

By now, I’m sure that you have heard about the data breach that happened at Equifax, one of the largest credit reporting agencies in the US. It turns out that my wife Kathy and I were affected, and I have since signed up for the free credit monitoring offered by Equifax. This got me thinking about what other precautions I should be taking to protect my identity. Here are just a few ideas:

  • Shred everything that has personal information on it. Get a cross-cutting shredder and put it in a central location in your home – it will easily pay for itself in peace of mind.
  • When paying for something, try to always use either cash or a credit card. Debit cards don’t offer liability protection, and checks are easy to duplicate.
  • Consider hiring a service to monitor your credit. There are plenty out there, both paid and free – just make sure that you are familiar with the level of service offered before you pick one.

If you were affected, it’s important to remember that the hackers are likely to keep your information for several years before they attempt to use it, so it’s crucial that you stay diligent and always be on the lookout for suspicious activity in your financial accounts as well as on your credit reports.

Now there are rumors that Equifax may have been hacked a second time. This just goes to show how important it is to protect your personal information in this digital age. Make sure that you stay safe, and that you take your safety seriously. Call Vargas and Vargas Insurance if you have any questions that we can answer for you. Our office number is 617-298-0655.

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Fill in the Gaps with Umbrella Insurance

Posted on by agentinsure

Your auto, property, and business insurance policies cover most of your valuables. But for those with multiple properties, luxury items, and other high-dollar assets, these policies may not fully cover your investment. If a complete loss occurs, you could be left footing the bill.

Vargas and Vargas Insurance in Dorchester, MA offers insurance policies to protect the things you care about most. Our experts are able to customize a package of policies to fit your specific needs. However, all policies have their limits.

Umbrella insurance policies provide additional coverage for your existing plans. Here are several ways an umbrella policy can protect you financially.

Commercial Umbrella Insurance

A lawsuit, natural disaster, or economic fluctuations can contribute to the ruin of a thriving business. You may need more than your current policies provide if a catastrophic event takes your property and inventory.

When the liability limit on your primary policy is reached, your umbrella policy will provide additional funds to get you back on your feet. This removes the financial burden when problems occur, giving you the peace of mind to deal with other issues. Your losses from legal judgments, natural disasters, and theft may be covered.  

Umbrella Policies for Home and Auto

For most people, your primary residence and vehicle are your largest assets. If your house burns down or your car gets totaled, primary policies may help pay off what you still owe. Any extra may not cover the cost of replacing your property.

After your auto, renters, or auto insurance pays their share, an umbrella policy further reduces your out-of-pocket costs for replacing your property.

Contact the insurance experts at Vargas and Vargas Insurance in Dorchester, MA. We can help you decide if umbrella insurance is the right strategy for you.

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Why Buy Flowers for Your Home?

Posted on by cvargas

Have you ever felt like your home needed a little burst of freshness and color? It’s easy to get into a groove (or, rather, a rut) when it comes to your home’s accessories – but fear not! All you need to do if you want to cheer up a room in your home is add a bouquet of freshly cut flowers!

First, a fun fact. Did you know that hospital patients who have plants or flowers in their room often need less post-operative medicine? In addition, these patients had lower blood pressure and less anxiety. And you can take advantage of the stress relief at home by simply adding a small plant or vase of flowers to a room that you spend a lot of time in.

In addition, the color of the flowers that you choose can impact the mood that your bouquet creates. Choose lighter, similar colors to increase your relaxation, or a bright and varied bunch for an energizing vibe. Even consider bringing in some flowers or a plant to the office to boost your productivity and be the envy of your coworkers!

Adding a plant to your Massachusetts home or office will also act as a natural humidifier, and plants can remove 87% of toxins from the air every day! So whether you’re looking for some inspiration, relaxation, energy, or health benefits, a bunch of flowers or a potted plant may be the answer!

If you would like to buy a lovely plant or a bunch of flowers for your home, stop by one of my favorite local flower shops, Cedar Grove Gardens. And if you want to add to your peace of mind with more than just flowers, call 617-298-0655 for a free Boston home insurance review from your friends here at Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency.

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Three Common Myths about Flu Vaccines

Posted on by cvargas

Have you gotten your flu shot yet? Many people want an excuse to not have to get poked with a needle, but getting a flu shot is one of the best things you can do for yourself in the fall and winter. In this post, we want to clear up a few of the common misconceptions around the flu shot:

Myth 1: The Flu Vaccine can give you the flu.

While it is true that some flu shots are made with an ‘inactivated’ flu virus, it has been scientifically proven that these shots can’t make you sick.

Myth 2: It’s better to risk getting the flu than to get the vaccine.

Some people would rather take their chances, and some will say “I’ve never gotten the shot, and I’ve never gotten sick.” But it’s not worth the risk – the flu can be very serious in some cases, and can on occasion result in complications. The CDC recommends that everyone over 6 months of age receive the vaccine.

Myth 3: You don’t need to get the vaccine every year.

Just getting one shot isn’t enough to keep you protected against the flu virus. The protection that the vaccine offers wanes over time, so you need to get a vaccine every fall in order to maintain maximum defense against the flu.

Make sure that you use your Massachusetts health insurance when you get your flu vaccine – many insurance providers will cover part or all of the cost of the vaccine. And if you have any questions about your health insurance policy, you can always reach out to Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency at 617-298-0655.

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Tips and “Tricks” for Handing Out Halloween Candy

Posted on by cvargas

There’s no doubt about it – Halloween is right around the corner. No doubt you’ve noticed the huge displays of decorations, costumes, and candy in your favorite stores. If you’re planning to get in the spooky spirit and pass out candy to trick-or-treaters this year, here are some tips to make sure that you are one of the ‘cool houses’ on the block:

  • Let trick-or-treaters know that they should come to your home for candy on Halloween night. This should be done by decorating your home (it doesn’t have to be extravagant) and by leaving the porch light on.
  • Kids love when they are recognized, so do yourself a favor and brush up on this year’s most popular costumes, including Marvel and DC superheroes, Disney princesses, and more.
  • Only give out candy that is sealed in its original packaging. While it is a nice thought to give kids homemade treats, most parents won’t allow their kids to eat these kinds of treats from strangers.
  • Your trick-or-treaters will be looking for sugar, so don’t disappoint by handing out pencils (or worse – toothbrushes). If you want to give something like a pencil or small toy, do so alongside a piece of candy.
  • If you don’t want to be bothered by your doorbell all night long (and you don’t mind missing all the cute costumes), you may choose to put out a small bowl of candy. It’s best to put out less and refill often so that latecomers aren’t disappointed by an empty bowl.

Before the big day, make sure that your home is ready for any ‘trick’ with the right Massachusetts home insurance policy from Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency. One quick call to 617-298-0655 will help you ensure that no ghouls, goblins, or poltergeists get the best of you this Halloween.

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It’s That Time of Year – Go Apple Picking!

Posted on by cvargas

One of the most popular activities in the Fall here in Massachusetts is picking produce. And there’s good news on that front – now is the perfect time for apple picking! Orchards have been open for a few weeks, but we’re hitting peak season to get ripe, perfect apples. So sometime between now and Veteran’s Day, pack up your family and hit your nearest apple orchard to see what fun you’ve been missing.

When you’re picking, make sure to look for apples that are firm and bruise-free. The color of your apple will change based on the variety of apple you’re picking, so you can’t depend on the color of your apple to tell you if it’s ready to pick. It’s also important to remember that apples ripen from the center of the tree outwards.

In addition, some farms will offer much more than just fruit harvesting. If you want a little more excitement, find a place that also has apple cider doughnuts (they’re a Fall favorite here at Vargas and Vargas Insurance), hayrides, or even a petting zoo.

Once you’ve got your apples in hand, you need to decide what to do with them. Sure, apples are great as a snack, but there’s nothing quite like a homemade apple pie that’s made with apples you picked off the tree with your own hands. If you want something a little healthier, try putting your apples in a smoothie or a salad. You can even use them to make apple chips! If you’re a fan of Fall spices, why not try making your own apple butter or an apple cider?

Make sure that you stay tuned to the Vargas and Vargas Insurance Blog for more ideas about seasonal activities here in Massachusetts. And remember to call 617-298-0655 with your insurance questions and quote needs!

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Moving Tips for Your Small Business

Posted on by cvargas

 

People move from house to house all the time, but you don’t hear about businesses moving very often. If you are thinking about finding a new home for your small business, be aware that a business move provides its own set of challenges. Here are just a few pieces of advice for your move from the Massachusetts business insurance experts:

  • As soon as you decide that you’re moving (and have a destination), begin calling several moving companies for quotes. Spots can fill up fast depending on the time of year that you wish to move, so book plenty far in advance.
  • If there is any office furniture that won’t be making the move with you, schedule a pickup in advance. Many companies like Goodwill and the Salvation Army will pick up donations for free.
  • Begin packing as soon as you can. Non-essentials should be packed early, and make sure that you carefully label all cords for electronics so they don’t get misplaced in the move.
  • Before you pack any computers or electronics, make sure to do a full and thorough backup of all your information and data. This could save you a huge headache if anything gets hurt beyond repair in the move, and is just a good practice to do every so often.

It’s also important to make sure that your business’s belongings are protected during the move, so purchase insurance! And make sure to update your Massachusetts small business insurance policy with your new address once your move is complete – just call Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency at 617-298-0655 to update your policy.

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Prepare for Fall and Winter Storms

Posted on by cvargas

In the Fall and Winter, New England can get hit with some nasty hurricanes and blizzards. Don’t wait until the last minute to prepare your family – do a little bit of prep now and you will be ready when a storm threatens the area. Here is a list of some of the things that you should have to get you started:

  • Food and Water – You should always have enough nonperishable foods and water for each member of your household to last one week or more. This typically means one gallon of water per day, plus foods like canned goods, and dry foods like cereal, nuts, crackers, and protein bars. And don’t forget to keep an emergency food supply for pets also!
  • Clothing – Each person in your household should have access to plenty of warm clothing, including hats and gloves.
  • General Supplies – If a storm is coming your way, make sure you have essential supplies handy. These will include flashlights and extra batteries, a first aid kit, paper dishware and plastic cutlery, paper towels, toilet paper, medications, and more.
  • Tools – You will need a few tools to weather a storm. Scissors and a manual can opener are a must. In addition, it would help if you had access to a pocket knife, multi-function tool, and a fire extinguisher.

While you’re preparing for potential storms, you should gather digital items as well as physical. There are certain phone numbers you should have stored in your cell phone. These include your local fire and police lines, the power company, the nearest hospital, and your insurance providers. To find out if your insurance is ready for a fall or winter storm, call Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency at 617-298-0655.

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My Child Got Their Driving Permit – What Now?

Posted on by cvargas

 

Children grow up so fast. It seems like they just start to walk, and the next thing you know they’re getting their learners permit and ready to start driving. If you have a teenager who is just about to get their Massachusetts learner’s permit, here are a few steps that you should take to make it a smooth transition:

  • The first step that you should take when your child gets their permit is to call your insurance agent. They will help add your child to your Massachusetts auto insurance policy so that they are insured while they learn to drive.
  • It’s important to let your agent know if your child is a good student, and if they have completed a driver’s education course. Either (or both) of these criteria will help to lower your insurance premium.
  • If you want to further compensate for the cost of adding a teenage driver to your auto insurance policy, consider lowering your deductible. Ask your agent if this is the right choice for you.
  • While you are making changes to your insurance policies, consider adding an umbrella insurance policy to your portfolio. This coverage is very affordable, especially considering how much protection it provides. After all, teenagers are inexperienced drivers and are more likely to cause a major accident that would, without the proper umbrella insurance, potentially cause financial distress.

To talk to your Boston insurance agent about the new driver in your household, just call 617-298-0655. We can help you get them added to your auto insurance policy, and get you a free umbrella insurance quote to consider.

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Is Your House Located in a Flood Plain?

Posted on by agentinsure

It’s not always obvious that a house is in a flood plain. If you live near a river or oceanfront, you may think you’re safe based on how many buildings or hills there are between you and the water. Even if you can’t see the waterfront from your home, that doesn’t mean the water can’t get you. Agents at Vargas & Vargas Insurance serving Dorchester, MA can help you find out if flood insurance is required, and if it is worth the purchase if not.

The federal government requires that homeowners who live in an area at high risk for flooding purchase flood insurance. Homes that are further away from the waterfront and lack the federal flood insurance requirement may still need flood insurance. Your mortgage lender may require that you purchase flood insurance, depending on the location of the house. Some may assume that flooding is covered by a home insurance policy, but this is not the case. It is also sometimes important to take research into your own hands to learn more about your geographical location.

For starters, you could look up how many floods have occurred in your area in a specific date range. On the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) website, you can find a visualization tool that allows you to select your state and see how many times a flood has occurred in each county in recent years.

Ultimately, even if your house isn’t in a flood plain and flood insurance isn’t mandated on your home, the decision about purchasing a policy is up to you. Contact an agent at Vargas & Vargas Insurance if you live in the Dorchester, MA area, and they can offer you guidance on this important decision.

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